Senior Research Associate I/II, AAV Capsid Engineering

Voyager Therapeutics

Voyager Therapeutics

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Cambridge, MA, USA
Posted on Tuesday, April 4, 2023

About Voyager

Voyager Therapeutics (Nasdaq: VYGR) is a biotechnology company dedicated to breaking through barriers in gene therapy and neurology. The potential of both disciplines has been constrained by delivery challenges; Voyager is leveraging innovative expertise in capsid discovery and deep neuropharmacology capabilities to address these constraints. Voyager’s TRACER AAV capsid discovery platform has generated novel capsids with high target delivery and blood-brain barrier penetration at low doses, potentially addressing the narrow therapeutic window associated with conventional gene therapy delivery vectors. This platform is fueling alliances with Pfizer Inc., Novartis and Neurocrine Biosciences as well as multiple programs in Voyager’s own pipeline. Voyager’s pipeline includes preclinical programs in Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), each with validated targets and biomarkers to enable a path to rapid potential proof-of-biology. For more information, visit www.voyagertherapeutics.com

The Novel Capsid Discovery team is generating a portfolio of designer AAV capsids with tailored properties using our state-of-the-art TRACER platform technology, which could prove truly transformative for the future of gene therapy. We are looking for a talented and motivated Senior Research Associate I or II to join the Vector Engineering group in order to support capsid programs aimed at improving tropism, tissue detargeting and immune evasion. The role will involve: 1) generating high-diversity AAV capsid libraries, 2) screening libraries using cell-based assays and/or in vivo models to select capsids with desired properties, 3) recovering nucleic acids from cells and animal tissues, 4) identifying capsid variants via Next-Generation Sequencing and analysis of large datasets, and 5) characterizing the functional properties of individual capsid variants. As a Senior Research Associate I/II in the Novel Capsid Discovery team, you will demonstrate a strong level of curiosity, self-motivation and accountability as well as desire to drive research projects under minimal supervision. This is the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technologies and make an impact in the field of AAV gene therapy by bringing novel capsids to the clinic.

Responsibilities

  • Clone and generate AAV libraries
  • Large-scale preparation and sequencing of plasmid DNA
  • Assist in the production, purification and quality control of AAV libraries and rAAV as well as maintain cultured cell lines
  • Develop novel cell-based assays for screening and individual capsid assessment
  • Perform nucleic acid recovery from biological samples
  • Prepare NGS libraries for the identification of capsid variants
  • Perform transfection and transduction experiments to evaluate novel capsid variants
  • Play an active role in project & experiment design, data analysis and interpretation
  • Maintain an up-to-date laboratory notebook and a clean and organized laboratory bench
  • Follow lab protocols and safety rules

Minimum Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Molecular Biology, Virology, Immunology, or related fields
  • 3+ years hands-on wet lab experience, title commensurate with experience
  • High level of comfort working with standard Molecular Biology techniques (PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning techniques, etc.),
  • Experience with nucleic acid extraction, RT-PCR
  • Highly skilled at mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays
  • Experience in assay development and generating detailed protocols
  • Ability to conduct advanced procedures precisely and consistently by following established protocols, as well as document and maintain an organized account of lab work and results

Preferred Qualifications

  • Hands-on experience with viral vectors, preferably AAV
  • Experience with DNA libraries
  • Knowledge of DNA sequence design and analysis software (e.g., Geneious, Benchling, Snapgene)
  • Experience with qPCR and/or ddPCR
  • Familiarity with NGS Illumina library preparation and sequencing
  • Rodent husbandry, handling, and dissection
  • Track record of driving scientific projects, as demonstrated by publication(s) or poster(s)
  • 1+ years of industry experience

This job is no longer accepting applications

See open jobs at Voyager Therapeutics.